MelroseWakefield Hospital Establishes Post-C-Section Therapy Program for New Mothers

MELROSE, Mass. — Recovering from a cesarean section is a major surgical recovery that happens to coincide with one of the most demanding new roles a person can take on: caring for a newborn. In those first days after delivery, new mothers are healing from abdominal surgery while also learning how to move with less discomfort and meet the round-the-clock needs of an infant.

A new program at Tufts Medicine MelroseWakefield Hospital is stepping into that gap. Launched in May 2026, the hospital's dedicated inpatient physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) program is the only one of its kind within the Tufts Medicine system and one of just four dedicated post-C-section PT/OT programs in Massachusetts.

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While still in the hospital, physical and occupational therapists provide personalized guidance on how patients can move safely and care for themselves and their babies after a major surgical procedure. The program offers hands-on practice and education on getting in and out of bed, standing, walking, and using stairs. Patients also learn strategies for getting dressed, showering, and positioning themselves to feed, hold, and lift their babies without putting unnecessary strain on the body.

The program builds on standard postpartum care. Patients typically move out of bed with nursing staff after surgery, but PT and OT go further — focusing on the mechanics behind those movements and teaching strategies that can make everyday activities more comfortable. Therapists consider specific aspects of a patient's home setup and provide techniques to minimize pain and maximize independence. They may, for example, simulate a patient's bed at home by flattening the hospital bed and removing bed rails, or practice stepping over a tub ledge.

"We're able to provide that underlying functional rationale for why these things work and feel better," said Lindsay Silvia, PT, DPT. "When you understand the 'why,' there's often more confidence and empowerment with movement."

The two disciplines take complementary approaches. PT focuses primarily on mobility — getting out of bed, walking, standing, and navigating stairs. OT focuses on everyday activities, including getting dressed, using the bathroom, and safely caring for a baby. Together, the therapists help patients prepare for the movements and tasks they'll face at home.

The first visit usually takes place the day after surgery and lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the patient's needs. Therapists typically follow up the next day to answer questions and reinforce what was taught.

C-section recovery can be harder than many expect, even for those who have had the procedure before. Everyday tasks like picking up a baby, changing a diaper, getting dressed, or climbing stairs can be surprisingly difficult when the abdomen is healing. Program leaders say patients feel more prepared to return home when they have a chance to learn and practice movement techniques with skilled therapists.

"The better a patient can care for themselves, the better they can care for their baby," the team noted.

After discharge, the team encourages patients to consider outpatient pelvic floor physical therapy. MelroseWakefield Hospital offers pelvic floor PT in Reading and Wakefield, generally beginning around six weeks after surgery, and therapists can help facilitate follow-up care with outpatient providers.

The program currently supports patients who have had a C-section, including repeat C-sections, though the team hopes to eventually expand it to all postpartum patients.

Patients have told therapists the techniques helped them feel more independent and comfortable. One mother, experiencing more pain than usual getting out of bed one morning, remembered the bed-mobility techniques she had learned and found that moving became easier after applying them.

Ultimately, the team says, the program is about making sure patients feel seen — not just as caregivers, but as people recovering from surgery.

"It's about making sure the mom feels seen and cared for — not just the newborn — and giving them the knowledge and confidence to take care of themselves and their baby," said Melissa Cote, MOT, OTR/L.

Patients expecting a C-section are encouraged to talk with their care team about physical and occupational therapy options.

To learn more about how physical and occupational therapy can support your recovery, please visit

Physical Therapy | Tufts Medicine

C-Section Recovery: How PT and OT Help Moms Heal | Tufts Medicine